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Table 11.1

Causes of Acute Respiratory Failure

Type 1 Respiratory FailureType 2 Respiratory Failure
PneumoniaReduced central respiratory drive
Pulmonary embolismSedative drugs, for example opiates/opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol
Acute exacerbation of COPDHead trauma
Acute exacerbation of asthmaSpace-occupying CNS lesion
Pulmonary fibrotic lung diseaseCerebrovascular accident
Pulmonary oedema (heart failure)Neuromuscular and thoracic wall disease
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)Cervical cord lesion
PneumothoraxGuillain-Barré syndrome
Myasthenia gravis
Poliomyelitis
Diaphragmatic paralysis
Flail chest
Chest wall deformity (acute on chronic)
Respiratory disease
Acute upper airway obstruction (foreign body or reduced conscious level)
Acute exacerbation of COPD
Severe life-threatening asthma
Pneumothorax
Factors that can worsen respiratory failure of any cause
Sedative drugs: benzodiazepines, opioids
Aspiration of secretions or gastric contents
Respiratory muscle fatigue
Low cardiac output
Severe obesity
Chest wall abnormality, for example kyphoscoliosis
Large pleural effusion
Pneumothorax